Darjeeling is celebrated for its exceptional tea, steeped in rich tradition and lore. The Darjeeling Lounge at ITC Royal Bengal captures this charm, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the elegance of 1800s tea estates. This tranquil 24-hour space offers a perfect escape from the daily grind, where friends can enjoy leisurely cups of tea or fine beverages paired with gourmet bites.

Our beverage selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring not just Darjeeling tea but also the finest from Assam and China. First flush teas like Margaret’s Hope and Makaibari provide smooth, aromatic flavours reminiscent of hazelnuts and almonds. Additionally, we cater to contemporary tastes with innovative offerings like share-market chai and refreshing iced tea cocktails, making the Darjeeling Lounge a delightful stop for tea lovers.

The lounge is adorned with subtle, minimal décor and vintage furniture, with charming robin’s egg blue walls that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Among the local favourites, our Share Market Chai stands out, infusing Assam tea with bold flavours of cardamom, ginger, carom seeds, and fennel, accompanied by Gondhoraj cookies. This special brew is inspired by the street tea of Dalhousie near the Calcutta Stock Exchange, encapsulating Kolkata’s vibrant tea culture. It’s a beloved spot for both celebrities and locals, all of whom cherish the unique experience.

Mumbai 13 March 2025:  On the occasion of Women’s Day, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre in association with the Rotary Club of Mumbai Western Elite took a remarkable step toward women’s health by organizing a special free medical camp dedicated to their well-being. The camp, conducted on the theme “Of the Women, By the Women, For the Women,” provided free health check-ups.  The aim was to spread awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare and empower women to take charge of their health.

Present at the event were esteemed doctors from various departments including General Physician, Cardiology, Dental, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Chest Medicine, ENT, and Opthalmology,  free medicines were given to patients as prescribed by the doctors and ambulance service onsite. The camp provided free consultations, and diagnostic tests (full body check-ups, breast scanning, blood pressure, blood sugar test, ECG, lung function test (PFT), Pap smear tests, bone density, audiology and anaemia check-ups) to over 1000 women who attended the camp from underprivileged communities.

Women’s health often takes a backseat due to various social and familial responsibilities. Conditions such as anaemia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and lung problems, and hormonal disorders are prevalent among women. However, these diseases and conditions remain undiagnosed in women due to a lack of routine health check-ups. Preventive screenings and early detection can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improving the quality of life. This medical camp ensured that women receive the attention and care they deserve, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being.

Vinay Khetawat, Club President, Rotary Club Of Mumbai Western Elite said, “The Mega Medical Camp, ‘Of the Women, By the Women, For the Woman’ dedicated exclusively to those who care for us without first caring for themselves was a testament of Rotary’s vision and goals to provide the best of health care service to the underprivileged community at large. This camp was our way of Celebrating Life by CELEBRATING the WOMEN in our lives.”

 Mr Prashant Mehta, Permanent Trustee at Lilavati Hospital, said “At Lilavati Hospital, we believe in taking proactive steps to address the healthcare needs of the community, and women’s health remains a top priority for us. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality medical care to women, ensuring they receive timely screenings and expert consultations. Through this Women’s Day special medical camp, we aim to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to take charge of their health. It is especially crucial to extend healthcare support to underprivileged women, who often lack access to regular medical check-ups and essential treatments. By offering free consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines, we hope to bridge the healthcare gap and make a meaningful impact on their well-being.”

“Through this initiative, we aim to provide accessible, quality healthcare while raising awareness about the importance of preventive screenings and early diagnosis. A case of myocardial infarction (MI) was identified, and primary treatment was administered by Dr Rohit Deshpande, Internal Medicine from Lilavati Hospital. The patient was then transported via the hospital’s ambulance on-site to the nearest medical facility for further care,” Concluded Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital.

Kolkata, 13th March 2025: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully hosted its 7th Social Impact Summit & Awards on Wednesday at ITC Sonar, honouring organisations that have made significant contributions to social impact through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Centred around the theme “Innovate for Impact: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the event recognised transformative initiatives driving positive change. The summit was graced by distinguished personalities, including Ms Agnimitra Paul, Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly; Mr. Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner & Founder, Goonj; Mr. Sekhar Mehta, Former Global President, Rotary International; Mr. Saikat Basu, CEO, Consultivo; Dr. Krishna Nirmalya Sen, Chairman – ICC OHS Committee & Head (EHS), L&T M&M SBG; and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC. With a focus on fostering innovation in the social sector, the summit featured insightful discussions on key topics such as The Role of Ecosystem in Social Impact; Innovations in the Social Sector; Sustainability in CSR Programs; Emerging Trends and Its Implications for Social Development; and Collaborative Innovation for Social Good: Scaling Impact through Partnerships.

Speaking on the Women Empowerment: A Pillar of Progress, Ms Agnimitra Paul, Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, said “Women in Bharat have always been empowered with history filled with strong, courageous women like Sita, Savitri, Draupadi, Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Rani Padmini, Matangini Hazra and Pritilata Waddedar. We do not need to seek empowerment—we already possess it; the challenge is to create an environment where every woman can realise her full potential without barriers. I stand here as proof of that empowerment. Coming from a small town, Asansol, with no godfather in the industry, I still dreamt big. From aspiring to be a doctor, to becoming a fashion designer, to finally stepping into politics, my journey has been unconventional. In 2014, I joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, inspired by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a strong, progressive India. People laughed when I dreamt of working under his leadership. As an MLA, I have the privilege of voicing the concerns of Bengal’s people. Since 2014, we have seen a remarkable rise in women’s participation across all fields—PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Hima Das in sports; women fighter pilots, Kalpana Chawla and ISRO’s Dr. Ritu Karidhal in defense and aerospace; Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and countless women entrepreneurs redefining business and science. And it all started with one leader having the courage to speak about real issues—our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. His first speech from Red Fort addressed sanitary napkins and toilets—topics that were taboo for years—because they affect the dignity and health of millions of women. Since 2014, the government has launched transformative initiatives—Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao improved the child sex ratio from 918 (2015) to 931 (2023); Ujjwala Yojana provided 5.5 crore LPG connections, reducing health hazards from traditional chulhas; Matru Vandana Yojana ensured ₹5,000 assistance for pregnant & lactating mothers; Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana secured girls’ education; Mudra Yojana & StandUp India empowered women entrepreneurs—70% of beneficiaries are women; and the 33% Reservation for Women in Parliament is a historic step towards true representation. To achieve true empowerment, we need four key pillars—Dedication for committed policies with measurable impact, Determination to break traditional barriers, Discipline to ensure transparency in welfare schemes and Dignity to create a society where women feel safe, respected, and independent. Instead of short-term financial handouts, we must focus on long-term solutions—skill development, entrepreneurship, stronger implementation of education schemes and better safety and law enforcement. Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘A nation that does not respect women can never achieve greatness.’ It is time we bridge the gaps, implement real change and create a Bharat where every woman, from villages to metros, has the opportunity to thrive. I urge all of you—policymakers, business leaders and social influencers—to take concrete steps towards real, sustainable empowerment. Because when women rise, India rises.”

Mr. Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner & Founder of Goonj, said, “We fail to recognise that disasters lead to forced migration, which disrupts all development work—whether in education, health or sanitation. Without addressing survival first, sustainability is impossible. We need to meet more often—not just at conferences but in the field. The social development sector is highly collaborative and partnerships drive impact. Let’s also shift our focus from symptoms to root causes—kill mosquitoes instead of just treating malaria. If we want better education outcomes, building schools isn’t enough. Solve water scarcity in villages, stop forced migration and children will naturally attend school. We are powerful, we have resources, and above all, we have intent. Now, we must go beyond surface level solutions and tackle problems at their core.”

Dr. Krishna Nirmalya Sen, Chairman – ICC OHS Committee & Head (EHS), L&T M&M SBG, said, “Over the past decade, India’s CSR landscape has undergone a paradigm shift since the enactment of the Companies Act 2013, which mandated CSR contributions for eligible companies. In FY 2022-23 alone, 24,392 Indian companies invested ₹29,986.92 crores in CSR initiatives, significantly impacting key sectors and reflecting India Inc.’s growing commitment to nation-building. The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights a remarkable 53% increase in CSR spending between 2017-18 and 2022-23, driving tangible progress in education, healthcare, rural development, environmental sustainability and livelihood enhancement. With over ₹10,085 crore allocated towards education, millions of children have benefited from CSR-driven programs, while ₹6,830 crores have improved access to quality healthcare. Environmental sustainability efforts have seen ₹1,959 crore invested, resulting in afforestation and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Additionally, ₹396 crores have been dedicated to women empowerment initiatives, providing financial literacy and livelihood opportunities to millions of women. The Government of India continues to play a proactive role in enabling and motivating CSR activities through key policies and frameworks, including the National CSR Awards recognizing outstanding projects and the 2021 amendments strengthening compliance and impact assessment. The PM CARES Fund received over ₹10,000 crores in corporate contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, further showcasing the private sector’s unwavering commitment to national welfare. Moreover, aligning CSR initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores India’s dedication to achieving the 2030 Agenda. While significant progress has been made, the journey ahead demands even greater collaboration and innovation—strengthening public-private partnerships to maximise social impact, leveraging technology and digital solutions to scale interventions, encouraging employee-driven volunteer programs for grassroots engagement and reinforcing impact assessment mechanisms to ensure measurable, lasting change.”

Mr. Saikat Basu, CEO, Consultivo, said, “This year, we received 57 impactful projects—36 from corporates and 21 from NGOs, with a total of 45 participating organizations. NGO projects were categorised into Large (₹10 Cr+), Medium (₹2-10 Cr) and Small (₹50L-2 Cr) across 10 major thematic areas.”

Mr. Sekhar Mehta, Former Global President, Rotary International, said, “This forum showcases how collaboration between civil society, corporates, and government drives real change. As a Rotarian for 40 years, I’ve seen the power of volunteerism. Rotary’s polio eradication effort, launched in 1988, reduced cases from 1,000 per day to near zero, with India declared polio-free in 2014. This proves that commitment and partnerships create impact. Now, let’s tackle illiteracy, water scarcity, and skill development. A national mission, backed by top corporates, can make India fully literate. If each of our 25 crore students educates just one adult, we close the gap in a few years.”

Mumbai/Ziro, March 13, 2025: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Skill Development, an initiative by Medhavi Skills University (MSU) in collaboration with Helping Hands NGO, successfully hosted its convocation ceremony to honour the first batch of graduating students from its Plumbing and Electrical programs. The event, held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre (MGC) in Hong Village, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, marked a significant milestone in empowering the youth of the north-east region with skill-based education.

The convocation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. Robin Hibu (IPS), Delhi Police and Founder, Helping Hands and Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder & Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University.

The event celebrated the achievements of students who successfully completed their certificate programs in Electrical and Plumbing, equipping them with industry-relevant skills. Along with certificates, the learners also received electrical and plumbing tool kits that would help them in their line of work in the future. Besides earning a monthly stipend, the students have started getting job opportunities which were earlier offered to talent from outside the region. It has aided in timely resolution of plumbing and electrical issues of the localities.

As a highlight of the ceremony, the Award of Excellence was presented to three top-performing students in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective courses. Hibu Komo from the Electrical (1st Batch), Narang Pullo from the Electrical (2nd Batch), and Tasu Abo from the Plumbing (1st Batch) were honoured for their hard work.

In an ongoing effort to expand vocational training, the Mahatma Gandhi Centre has announced the launch of a Certificate Program in Hair Styling, set to begin in April 2025. Aimed at empowering school dropouts, the centre offers a hands-on learning experience through well-equipped practical labs and structured theoretical modules to students in the thriving beauty and wellness sector.

Speaking at the event, Shri Robin Hibu, a strong advocate for industry-integrated skill-based education, emphasized the impact of such initiatives: “Providing skill-based education to the youth of the North-East is a vital step towards ensuring their socio-economic upliftment. Our collaboration with Medhavi Skills University is a testament to our commitment to this cause. By equipping students with practical skills, we are creating pathways for sustainable employment and financial independence.”

 Mr. Dudani stated that “Our aim is to make skill-based education inclusive and accessible to all, equipping the people of the north-east with industry-relevant training that empowers them to build successful careers. Through initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, we are fostering holistic development and creating opportunities for a brighter, self-reliant future.”

During the ceremony, Grace Rehabilitation Centre (run by Apatani Baptist Association, Ziro) and Mother’s Home (run by Achukuru Welfare Society, Ziro) were recognized with certificates for their outstanding contributions to community welfare.

The event also featured cultural Apatani dance performances by traditional local artists, musical presentations, and discussions on social impact and empowerment. Students shared their transformative journey with MSU and Helping Hands. They recounted their dedication, traveling three hours to reach the learning center in Ziro. Upon completing their course, they successfully secured jobs and were able to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, embracing self-employment opportunities.

MSU continues to expand its reach by introducing new courses and skill-building programs, providing students in remote areas like Ziro with enhanced employment opportunities. Through its initiatives, the university remains committed to bridging the skill gap in India and empowering youth with education that translates into meaningful careers.

Hyderabad 13^th March 2025: NephroPlus, Asia’s largest dialysis care network, has achieved a monumental milestone by setting a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Number of Sign-ups for a Health Screening Test in One Week’ with 10,500 sign-ups within the period – 6^th – 11^th March 2025 and securing a place in the India Book of Records for the ‘Maximum People Screened for Serum Creatinine Test Held at Multiple Venues.’ Over 4500 screenings were conducted from March 6th to 8th, 2025, across 26+ cities as part of its campaign for World Kidney Day 2025, with additional screenings to be carried out in the following days. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to promote awareness about the early detection and prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and educate communities on essential kidney health practices through accessible screenings and personalized risk assessments.

The free kidney screening camps, organized under the slogan ‘Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early and Protect Kidney Health,’ received an overwhelming response from thousands of participants. The initiative specifically targeted high-risk individuals, including those with diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease. Major cities covered in the campaign included Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Ranchi among others.

On this occasion, NephroPlus also launched a groundbreaking study on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). With the extensive offline data collected through these screenings, the company plans to publish a white paper and a manuscript in a reputed academic journal—most likely the first-ever global white paper on CKD prevention. This marks a significant milestone in the global fight against CKD and reinforces NephroPlus’s leadership in kidney health innovation.

Vikram Vuppala, Group CEO and Founder of NephroPlus said: “This remarkable accomplishment highlights our unwavering commitment to raising awareness about kidney health in a country where CKD prevalence ranges from 12% to 21% across different regions. Many cases remain undiagnosed until the advanced stages, which underscores the need for large-scale, preventive health interventions. Setting two world records simultaneously reflects the unprecedented scale of our initiative and our determination to bring life-saving early detection to communities with limited access to specialized healthcare.” He further added: “The launch of our CKD prevention study is a game-changer. Governments worldwide need to recognize that CKD prevention is not just a health initiative—it’s a strategic economic investment. The insights from this study will drive advocacy for increased government funding and policy changes focused on early detection and intervention. We believe this could have a lasting impact on global healthcare frameworks.”

The CKD white paper will emphasize why governments should prioritize CKD prevention, not only as a public health measure but also as a long-term economic strategy. Early intervention can reduce healthcare costs, prevent productivity loss, and improve the overall quality of life for millions. This pioneering research sets NephroPlus apart as the global leader in CKD prevention and treatment innovation.

Building on this achievement, NephroPlus plans to further its kidney health awareness efforts in the upcoming years. The insights gathered from this campaign will contribute to further research and advocacy efforts, ensuring greater access to early diagnosis and preventive care for millions across India.